Disbursement of Social Benefits
SocialCard
Digital. Cashless. Secure.
Disbursement of Social Benefits
SocialCard
Digital. Cashless. Secure.
Disburse social benefits easily, digitally, and securely –
with the SocialCard.
The SocialCard by Publ°k replaces the traditional payment methods of social disbursements for eligible recipients who previously received their benefits in cash, checks, or vouchers. Eligible individuals receive a prepaid Visa Debit card, available either as a physical card or digitally via Apple Pay or Google Pay. It can be used at over 1.3 million retail locations across Germany, in online shops, and at ATMs. With the Publ°k Cardservice app and online portal, card users always have a clear and easy overview of their finances. This enables equal participation in public life – without stigma or discrimination.
The SocialCard significantly eases the burden on authorities: distribution is simple and convenient via a user-friendly online portal or seamlessly integrated directly into the specialist system of the authority. Each card is automatically assigned its own IBAN, allowing benefit payments to be made via SEPA transfer – without the need for additional software or hardware.
A modern, secure, and compliant payment solution – designed for the public sector.
Benefits for public administrations
and their employees
Efficient Processes
- Elimination of check issuance or cash payments for beneficiaries
- Use existing SEPA payment procedures for disbursing social benefits
- Direct card issuance on-site at the administration office – for both physical and digital cards
Optimized Staffing
- Significant reduction of administrative and personnel effort in social benefits disbursement
- Enabling staff to dedicate more time to their main responsibilities
Custom Configurations
- Restriction on certain industries, including gambling"
- Limits on cash withdrawals
- Card acceptance limited by region, for example to Germany or particular postal code regions
- Restriction on card use for online purchases
Flexible Applications
- Recurring payments (e.g., at month-end)
- Instant disbursements (e.g., for those in urgent need)
- One-time payments (e.g., energy allowance)
Reliable in practice -
SocialCard is already used in 14 German federal states
In September 2024, Publ°k and its partners were awarded a contract following a Europe-wide tender to implement the SocialCard in 14 German federal states for payments under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act. A project of this scale demonstrates the high scalability of the SocialCard while simultaneously addressing state-specific and municipal requirements.
The SocialCard concept goes far beyond its initial application for refugees: Publ°k digitizes cash-based payout processes in public administration through card-based payments – simple, secure, and efficient. Especially in the area of social benefits, payouts are often still made in cash. Publ°k provides digital solutions that ease the burden on municipalities and give their employees valuable time back – especially in times of skilled labor shortages and recruitment challenges – creating space to focus on what truly matters.
Do you already have
a SocialCard?
Get access to the
online portal here.
Use our app with your Publ°k card
Want to use the SocialCard in your authority?
Get to know us – in a no-obligation conversation.